CalDigit Docks & Apple M2, M1 Pro/M1 Max/Ultra Compatibility.
Thunderbolt 4 | USB4
ELEMENT HUB
8 Ports
4x Thunderbolt 4 | USB4
4x USB-A 10Gb/s
8K Display
Dual 4K 60Hz Displays
“The new CalDigit Element Thunderbolt 4 Hub is a great add to any Mac…”
“★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5 Stars)”
“Best overall hub – Thunderbolt 4 Hubs & Docking Stations 2021”
ELEMENT HUB Unboxing
Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is the first of its kind, offering 4x the performance of traditional USB-C hubs, whilst harnessing the power of Thunderbolt 4 in order to create a device without compromises.
Every Element Hub workflow will be different from the next, bringing with it the potential for incredibly unique set-ups, only limited by your imagination.
Connect what you need, when you need.
A Hub Like
No Other
Up until this point, hubs have been restricted by their interface’s performance, limiting their potential. The Element Hub, in combination with the power of Thunderbolt 4, has allowed us to create the most ambitious hub on the market.
The use of Thunderbolt 4 is the perfect interface for a device like this, as it brings with it a level of versatility not previously available through a hub.
| Element Hub | USB-C Hub | USB-C Hub | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Performance |
40Gb/s |
5Gb/s |
10Gb/s |
|
4K 60Hz Display |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
|
5K 60Hz Display |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
6K 60Hz Apple Pro Display XDR |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
8K Display |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Dual 4K 60Hz Displays |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Dual 6K 60Hz Displays |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Connect USB-C Display |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Connect Thunderbolt Display |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Thunderbolt 3 & 4 Compatible |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
USB 4 Compatible |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
USB-C Compatible |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Daisy-Chain Thunderbolt Devices |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Daisy-Chain USB Devices |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Ultimate
Compatibility
Of course the Element Hub is not only for Thunderbolt 4 users. This versatile device is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB 4.
This means that the Element Hub will adapt to the connected host computer in order to provide the features available to you, making the Element Hub an ideal solution for multi-workflow environments.
In addition, the included Thunderbolt 4 cable is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C and USB 4 Type-C computers.
Made for you
The beauty of the Element Hub’s four Thunderbolt 4 ports allows you to create the device you want.
Need to connect multiple SSDs, SD card readers, RAID storage, dual 4K monitors? No problem.
The Element Hub is a blank canvas ready to be populated with the devices you need.
Thunderbolt 4
The merging of Thunderbolt and USB brings with it the ability for devices, such as the Element Hub, to feature up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. One Thunderbolt 4 port is used for the host computer connection, and the remaining three ports for connecting additional devices, such as another Element Hub. The workflow possibilities are endless.
Examples of devices that can be connected to the Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports
- Thunderbolt Monitor
- USB-C Monitor
- NVMe SSD
- RAID Storage
- USB-A Hub
- 10GbE Adapter
- SD Card Reader
- Video & Audio IO
- USB-C Speaker/Headphones
- USB-C Hub
- USB-C Dock
- Thunderbolt 1/2/3/4 Dock
- Thunderbolt Hub
Don’t Compromise
on Speed
The Thunderbolt 4 ports are capable of speeds up to 3,000MB/s in order to take advantage of your ultra-fast storage devices. That is 8.5x the performance of a typical 5Gb/s USB-C hub, which offers speeds around 350MB/s from its USB-A ports.
| Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4) | USB-C 5Gb/s Hub (USB-A) | |
|---|---|---|
|
Max. External Storage Performance |
Up to 3,000MB/s* |
350MB/s (Typical performance) |
|
Performance Difference |
8.5x Faster |
8.5x Slower |
Built-In USB ports
Whilst the Element Hub’s Thunderbolt 4 ports add a wealth of connectivity potential, the built-in USB-A 10Gb/s ports (USB 3.2 Gen.2) allow you to easily connect up to four high-performance USB-A devices such as ultra-fast NVMe SSDs.
Desktop Users
Thunderbolt docks for years have mostly catered to the laptop user. The Element Hub however is also a great option for desktop users, including iMac and MacPro users.
Use the Element Hub with a longer 2M cable and easily access your ports from your desk instead of crouching behind a desk or monitor to plug in devices.
Monitors
The fact that the Element Hub has multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports means that you can connect to any type of monitor you require.
You can directly connect a USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 monitor for simple plug and play simplicity.
Alternatively you can use a USB-C Video Adapter to connect an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor.
- Thunderbolt*
- Thunderbolt 3
- Thunderbolt 4
- USB-C
- HDMI**
- DisplayPort**
- mDP**
- VGA**
- DVI**
*With use of the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to 2 Adapter.
**With use of a USB-C Video Adapter. Current Mac computers, including Apple Silicons M1 / M2, can only support up to HDMI 2.0b over its Thunderbolt ports. As such, resolution will be limited to 4K 60Hz when using USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Monitor Resolutions
When connected to a Thunderbolt 4 host computer the Element Hub is capable of adding a monitor up to 8K resolution, or dual 4K 60Hz monitors in either extended or mirrored modes.
For non-Thunderbolt 4 users the possible monitor resolutions can be seen below.
| TBT4, TBT3 & USB4 PC* | Intel TBT3 Macs** | Apple M1/M2 Macs | Apple M1/M2 Pro, Max & M1 Ultra | USB-C 10Gb/s PC (DP 1.4) | USB-C 5Gb/s PC (DP 1.2) | iPad Pro (TBT) | iPad Air (4th Gen) | ChromeBook | Windows Tablet | Apple M1 iPad Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4K 30Hz |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
4K 60Hz |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
|
|
✓ |
|
5K 60Hz Thunderbolt Display |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
✓ |
|
|
|
✓ |
|
6K 60Hz Apple Pro Display XDR |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
✓ |
|
|
|
✓ |
|
8K 60Hz |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dual 4K 60Hz |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dual 6K 60Hz
|
|
|
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dual 5K 60Hz
|
|
|
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Some Windows PC manufacturers have decided to restrict functionality on their Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports such as charging and monitor compatibility. Check to see if your PC supports a monitor. **Intel Based Macs are required to update to macOS 11(Big Sur) or above.
***8K 60Hz refresh rate requires DP 1.4, HBR3 and DSC 1.2 support from host, GPU and monitor.
Reversible Design
Anyone that has used cheap USB-C hubs knows that they lack the build quality to match that of your Thunderbolt Mac or PC.
The Element Hub is not only built from high quality aluminium, it also features a reversible design that allows you to utilise it on either the left or right hand side of your laptop.
A quick glance at the built-in LED light allows you to instantly see if the Element Hub is in operation.
Daisy-Chain
Thunderbolt and USB4 laptop users can daisy-chain Thunderbolt, USB4, and USB-C devices to the Element Hub.
Users on non-Thunderbolt and USB4 hosts, such as USB-C computers (USB 3.2, USB 3.1), are able to daisy-chain USB-C devices only. In order to daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection is required.
iPad Pro
& Windows Tablets
As the Element Hub is a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 device, it is compatible with USB-C tablets such as the iPad Pro or Windows tablets.
Simply connect the Element Hub to your tablet and take advantage of the connectivity options.
Tablet & Ultrabook Charging
The Element Hub not only offers versatile connectivity options, it will also charge a Tablet or Ultrabook at up to 60W through the [Computer] port.
Examples of Popular Tablets/Laptops
| Laptop/Tablet | Power Delivery |
|---|---|
|
ChromeBook |
60W |
|
Dell XPS 13 |
Up to 60W |
|
iPad Pro |
Up to 45W |
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Laptop 14" |
60W |
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet 13" |
45W |
|
MacBook Air |
30W |
|
MacBook Pro 13" |
60W |
Unlike other Thunderbolt 4 hubs on the market, the Element Hub has a fixed 60W laptop charging function. Whilst other Thunderbolt 4 hubs reduce their laptop charging capabilities down to 30W charging or lower when the hub is fully loaded,
the Element Hub will consistently provide 60W of charging if connecting to the laptop such as MacBook Pro 13″.
Premium Features
*Some of the above features will vary depending on the OS and host computer’s capabilities.
Docking Station Utility
Adding multiple devices to your hub is great but it can be a nuisance having to manually eject every storage device safely.
To solve this problem we have created a macOS Utility Software that allows users to quickly and safely eject all of their storage devices with one click.
Centralize your charging to ONE
- Apple Watch
- AirPods
- iPhoneSE
- iPhone
- MagSafe Charger
- iPhone
- AirPods Max
- iPad Pro/ iPad Air
A Powerful Offline Charging Station
The Element Hub can even work for you when it’s not connected to your computer. Keep your USB-A or USB-C devices connected to the Element Hub and it will continue to charge them. All 8 ports on the Element Hub can be used at the same time for offline charging.
Apple SuperDrive
Many docks and hubs are not compatible with the Apple SuperDrive since it requires a lot of power from the connected USB port. In fact Apple recommends to connect it directly to a computer. CalDigit has solved this problem by creating a driver that will allow the SuperDrive to work through the Element Hub.
Interface
4 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s)
4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gb/s)
1 x AC Power
Minimum System Requirements
macOS 11 (Big Sur) or above
Windows 10 or above
iPadOS
Chrome OS
Thunderbolt 4 Computer
Thunderbolt 3 Computer
USB-C (USB 4) Computer
USB-C (USB 3.1) Computer
iPad Pro
iPad Air (4th Gen)
Windows Tablet
USB-C ChromeBook
Power Delivery
Up to 60W Host Charging (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A and 20V/3A)
Each Downstream Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Port: 15W (5V/3A)
Each USB-A Port: 7.5W (5V/1.5A)
Size & Weight
Height: 0.70" (18mm)
Width: 2.75" (70 mm)
Length: 4.48" (114mm)
Weight: 0.39lbs (0.18kg)
In The Box
1 x Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
1 x Thunderbolt 4 Cable 0.8m (Passive)
2 x Rubber Feet Strips
1 x Power Supply (150W)
1 x Power Cord
Warranty
2 Years
| Element Hub | OWC Thunderbolt Hub | |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Number of Ports |
8 |
5 |
|
Number of Thunderbolt 4 Ports |
4 |
4 |
|
Number of USB-A Ports |
4 |
1 |
|
USB Performance |
10Gb/s |
10Gb/s |
|
Max. Monitor Support |
2 |
2 |
|
Max. Monitor Resolution |
8K |
8K |
|
Laptop Charging |
Full 60W (Under Heavy Load) |
Limited 45W (Under Heavy Load) |
|
Power Supply Wattage |
150W |
110W |
|
Port Power |
Type-C (Host) 60W (20V. 15V/9V/5V 3.0A) |
Type-C (Host) 45W to 60W |
|
Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB-C Compatible |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Reversible Design for Optimum Hub Placement & Cable Management |
✓ |
One way only |
|
Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
Yes, the Element Hub works on Thunderbolt 3 computers.
Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 are both 40Gb/s, and the Element Hub works great on both.
Some Windows PC manufacturers have limited the performance of their Thunderbolt 3 ports in order to restrict the number of external monitors that can be attached, and in some cases they have also removed laptop charging. Check to see if your PC supports two displays, and charging through the Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Apple M1 based computers only support one external monitor in total from their Thunderbolt/USB4 ports. Intel based Macs can support two displays through the Element Hub.
All Macs are required to update to macOS 11.0 Big Sur or above in order to be compatible with the Element Hub.
Yes, the Element Hub is the perfect companion for any M2, M2, Pro, M2 Max, M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max computer.
M2/M1 based Macs only support a single display through the Thunderbolt connection.
This is a limitation of the M2/M1 Macs at this time.
M2 Pro, M2 Max, M1 Pro, and M1 Max users can connect dual displays to the Element Hub when connected to those computers.
Yes, the Element Hub is a great option for Mac mini users.
When connected to the Mac mini, the Element Hub will not supply any power to Mac mini.
Yes, the Element Hub can be daisy-chained to the TS3 Plus, or any dual port Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 device such as the TS3 Plus. You can either have it first or second in the chain. We would recommend to have the TS3 Plus directly connected to the laptop since it provides higher laptop charging.
If you plan to use your own laptop charger, we suggest you connect the Element Hub to your computer first then daisy-chain it to other devices from the Element Hub.
Since the Element Hub is a compact hub rather than a larger dock, heat management is of paramount importance.
60W is the optimum power delivery for hub of this size in order to provide enough power and keep the device at the perfect temperature.
If your laptop is above 60W the Element Hub will still charge your laptop at a slower speed.
If you are using CPU or GPU intensive applications we recommend that you connect the laptop’s charger to your laptop.
If you require a device with faster laptop charging, CalDigit offers full size docks with 87W, and 94W charging.
No, the Element Hub requires a power supply in order to operate.
The host Thunderbolt 4 connection provides 60W of power, the remaining Thunderbolt ports each provide up to 15W of power, and the USB ports provide up to 7.5W of power. To provide this much power the Element Hub requires a power supply.
Yes, the Element Hub can charge your laptop at the same time as charging USB devices.
If your monitor is Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C it can connect directly to the spare Thunderbolt ports on the Element Hub.
If you want to connect an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor you can purchase a USB-C to HDMI, or USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter, and connect it to the spare Thunderbolt ports.
Yes, the LG 5K monitor has Thunderbolt connectivity.
Directly connect it to one of the Thunderbolt ports on the Element Hub and the monitor will start working.
You can connect any Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, or USB-C devices to the Thunderbolt ports on the Element Hub.
This includes, but is not limited to, external storage, eGPUs, docks, monitors, 10G Ethernet adapter, USB-C to SD card readers, and USB-C to ethernet adapters.
You can also daisy chain multiple Element Hubs together.
Yes, you can. Please use a Thunderbolt 4 cable that provides 40Gb/s performance and 100W power delivery.
CalDigit 2.0m cables are available from the CalDigit Online Store (From Feb 2021).
